Reclamation Celebrates 16 Years of Fun Activities on Shasta Lake with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation

Written by: Sarah Webster, Public Affairs Specialist, Commissioner’s Office

Reclamation and the C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids Foundation gathered to share a day of fishing and boating.In northern California about 170 miles north of Sacramento, Reclamation and the C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids Foundation gathered with 165 volunteers and 39 kids with their parents or guardians to share a day of fishing and boating. This was Reclamation’s 16th Shasta Lake C.A.S.T. for Kids event which was held on Saturday, June 20, 2015.

“This event is all about the kids. Our hope is to instil a lifelong love of the outdoors, our public lands and the wonderful opportunities that are there for everyone,” said Sheri Harral, Shasta Lake C.A.S.T. for Kids coordinator. “We hope fishing will be a passion the kids keep with them throughout their lives. This event truly is a day everyone remembers.”

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is a public 501(c) 3 charitable organization formed in 1991. It connects volunteers who love fishing and the outdoors with disabled and disadvantaged children. C.A.S.T. events allow children a chance to enjoy fishing and boating, which they may not otherwise experience. The foundation also hosts two other successful programs: the Fishing Kids Program and Take a Warrior Fishing.

Reclamation has been involved with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation since 1992. Youth are provided with free fishing gear, tackle boxes, hats and T-shirts, a picnic lunch, a plaque with their photo and goodie bags filled with items donated by the local community.

Reclamation has a stewardship responsibility to improve and provide increased recreational fishing opportunities through several activities, as required by The Federal Water Project Recreation Act (P.L. 89-72 as amended, most notably by Title XXVIII of P.L. 102-575), and the Take Pride in America Act (16 U.S.C. 4601-12 et seq. and 16 U.S.C. 4601-31 et seq.).

Recently, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Estevan López signed a five-year cooperative agreement with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation to continue making outdoor recreational fishing opportunities accessible for children at Reclamation reservoirs.

"C.A.S.T. is a wonderful program that provides opportunities for children that they may never get otherwise," Commissioner López said. "Reclamation supports activities that brings families into America's Great Outdoors and provides unique water-related recreational opportunities for the youth of America."

Visit the official C.A.S.T. for Kids website for additional information.

Reclamation and the C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids Foundation gathered to share a day of fishing and boating.

Published on June 25, 2015